|
|
|
|
|
'Amazing' new chaplain is making a big impact at Westmount Gardens (Part 2)
Patrick Heffernan recently led the first celebration of life at Westmount in four years
7/29/2024
-
Deron Hamel
|
|
|
|
Westmount Gardens recently had its first celebration of life since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020, and the service was led by the London, Ont. long-term care community's new chaplain, Patrick Heffernan.
Life enrichment manager Adnan Resh says Patrick has been an “amazing” addition to Westmount Gardens since joining the team in April and leading the service was one of the many ways he has touched residents and their families with his caring nature.
“It was a beautiful service ran by Patrick and he even brought his grandson along to sing and he had a beautiful voice,” Adnan tells S&R Today.
“We had an amazing turnout of over 20 family members.”
The service was followed by refreshments and social time, Adnan says, adding that “having a celebration of life here at the home is important for that very final closure.”
Adnan says the family members who attended were each given a flower and a tall candle that read “in loving memory,” followed by the resident's name on it to cherish.
He adds that Patrick did an excellent job leading the celebration of life and “has made great connections” with residents and their families since becoming chaplain.
“Residents have spoken highly of him and have asked me where I found him and when are they going to see him next,” Adnan says, adding Patrick recently started a Bible-study group for residents.
“Staff have complimented how friendly he is and how the residents love him, and it's those kinds of things you want to hear.”
Patrick says being the Westmount Gardens chaplain has been his calling.
“Patrick told me that God put him here for a reason and he was meant to be here,” Adnan says. “It's not often you hear those words being said, so it's just amazing.”
- This is Part 2 of a two-part story
Do you have a story you would like to share with S&R Today? If so, please contact the newsroom at deron(at)axiomnews.com.
If you have feedback on this story, please contact the newsroom at deron(at)axiomnews.com.
|
|
|